HRCHC Director of Nursing Shares See, Test & Treat Experience

Hampton Roads Community Health Center (HRCHC) hosted its first-ever See, Test & Treat® in Portsmouth, Virginia, on August 11. While it is a CAP Foundation program, See, Test & Treat relies on partnerships with host sites and their multidisciplinary teams to make each event a success. At HRCHC, one of those multidisciplinary team members was Director of Nursing Erica Johnson. Foundation staff caught up with Erica after the program to find out how it went.

Erica Johnson, HRCHC Director of Nursing

Q: Was there demand in the community for this type of event?
A: The See, Test & Treat program attracted patients from outside HRCHC. The schedule filled up quickly; participants from the event walked into the clinic to see if they could get screening.

Q: Many patients who attend See, Test & Treat do not have insurance. Did you have a chance to talk with any women about what prompted them to come?
A: One patient came to See, Test & Treat because her insurance lapsed; she was waiting for the program to get her screenings.

Q: How did HRCHC and See, Test & Treat collaborate to make this event a success?
A: See, Test & Treat was the headliner, and having the health fair provide continuing health education while patients waited for results was a great partnership.

Q: What did you get out of your first See, Test & Treat experience?
A: I have been in health care for a long time. For my own education, it was eye-opening to see how the Pap tests were processed and diagnosed. It was really beneficial to see a pathologist at work.

Overall, it was a very professional set-up, and having the same-day results was a great opportunity for all.

Q: Was there one moment or case you found particularly inspiring?
A: I came to the program early and saw some patients in the waiting room. One of the first patients waiting had an abnormal Pap result. We were able to treat her onsite. She was very receptive to education and appreciative that HRCHC was providing her with it.

Q: What kind of impact did this See, Test & Treat have on the community? What was the response to it?
A: The impact on the community was huge, and patients were very receptive to See, Test & Treat. We’ve been receiving great feedback in person and on social media. It’s great to see the community getting invested in their health.

Q: Why are programs like See, Test & Treat important for women in need?
A: Overall, many patients don’t have access to regular prevention. Programs like this act as a bridge to fill the gap in women’s health care needs.